The eyes of the world were mesmerised by the untouchable Lionel Messi as he wrote himself into history by scoring a stunning hat-trick to give Argentina the perfect start to their World Cup title defence, beating Algeria 3-0 in Kansas.
The game was an exhibition of Messi's talent on his favourite stage of all. Sharp and unerring, he was a level above every other player on the park. Perhaps, even, a class above any other to grace a World Cup finals.
His treble ensured he drew level in the all-time scoring charts with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 tournament goals, also becoming the the oldest player to score multiple times in a World Cup match, surpassing Roger Milla's record.
The 38-year-old was ably supported by Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and club team-mate Rodrigo De Paul, but the night firmly belonged to him as he scored a trio of epic goals in a display that will be talked about for decades. His 61st career hat-trick.
The first was engineered by De Paul, delivering a cutting through ball to Messi in the pocket, and he shaped a lovely strike beyond Luca Zidane - son of France legend Zinedine Zidane.
Having been fortunate to avoid a red card for a clumsy challenge on Aissa Mandi - that did not even receive a caution - Messi's second arrived early in the second half, turning home a parried effort from Mac Allister with his weaker right foot. The third, more lavish still, was scored from the edge of the area, a low, bending strike - the crowning moment.
He was subbed off to a standing ovation shortly after from a heavily pro-Argentina crowd. But even those of an Algerian persuasion will no doubt have been delighted to witness the great magician at work. A glimpse of history up close and personal.
The goals came 20 years to the day that the No 10 made his World Cup debut for Argentina in a match against Serbia and Montenegro - he scored in that one, too.
"At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say?" Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reflected. "He's incredible."
The fixture will be remembered for Messi's incredible hat-trick to guide his side to victory, but there was one controversial moment intertwined amongst his masterclass.
17: GOAL! Messi took De Paul's cutting pass on the half turn and arrowed a sumptuous effort into the top corner. Zidane got contact, but the strike was beyond his grasp.
32: RED CARD? Messi avoids red card after raking his studs down the calf of Algeria's Mandi.
60: GOAL! The No 10 pounces on a parried effort from Mac Allister, steering home with his weaker right boot.
76: GOAL! Messi's hat-trick is complete, arriving on the edge of the box to curl expertly inside the post.
GOAL ONE:
GOAL TWO:
GOAL THREE:
Hat-trick hero Lionel Messi guided Argentina to a 3-0 win against Algeria, but should he have been sent off in the first half?
Referee Szymon Marciniak blew for a foul but did not book Messi for the challenge on Mandi, while VAR also did not appear to check the incident.
IFAB rules state a player should be sent off for a tackle that "endagers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force".
It also states that any player who lunges at an opponent with "excessive force or endangers their safety" is guilty of serious foul play.
Messi went on to complete his hat-trick with two more goals in 16 second-half minutes.
But, should Messi have seen red in the first period? Let us know!
Argentina captain Lionel Messi:
"It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I'm living though now is the cherry on top.
"I'm very happy and grateful for this wonderful group. I enjoy it so much."
He added: "When I'm in good shape, I give it my all."
Your Site' Laura Hunter:
A team performance to ignite a nation's hopes of back-to-back glory. An individual display to revere for many years to come. 38 years young, Lionel Messi's influence at a World Cup finals has never been more keenly felt.
Beyond his goals, which were all deftly taken, he took the most shots (six) and registered the joint-most touches in the opposition box (four) - both metrics he would be expected to top. But his work rate was equally noticeable, akin to the industry of a player half his age.
Only De Paul and Fernandez made more tackles for Argentina. He won three duels in the middle of the park. He offered seven passes into the final third for team-mates.
This global superstar has surely outdone even his own elite standards in game one of a tournament where his fitness was in doubt. His 200th international cap was no more than a celebration of the greatest footballer of all time.
Remarkably, Messi has never won a World Cup Golden Boot before. This, his last last dance on the world stage, is surely the time to correct that.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to FIFA:
"I don't have the words to describe Messi. For 20 years, he's had us used to seeing things like this, and he inspires everyone who watches him play.
"We're going to take it one game at a time. The team is happy; we gave playing time to a lot of players. Hopefully we can win the next one so everyone can be in the third group stage match".
